**Reflecting on My Initial Year in Materials Science and Engineering**

*Composed by Dawson La, Materials Science and Engineering (MEng)*

Ten months ago, in October 2022, I was overwhelmed with anxiety, apprehension, and uncertainty regarding what lay ahead. I was about to begin my journey as a first-year student in [Materials Science and Engineering](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/courses/undergraduate/materials-science-engineering-meng/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=internal&utm_campaign=mra-blogs&utm_content=link) at Imperial College London. As someone who has always been rather introverted and reserved, plunging into this new phase felt intimidating. Now, as I reflect on the past academic year, I recognize it as a time of considerable personal development, hurdles, and plenty of enjoyment! But what has this year actually taught me, and where do I find myself now?

### Conquering the Anxiety of Making Friends

One of the most daunting obstacles I encountered right away was forming friendships. For many newcomers, this can be one of the most distressing parts of starting university. If you are reading this as a future student, it’s likely a concern for you as well. On my first day of moving into my accommodation, a few days before the term officially commenced, I spent the entire day sequestered in my room, too nervous to venture out and meet others.

Fast forward to now, and I can assert with confidence that I’ve formed some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had. Here at Imperial, I’ve discovered a second family, and everything started with a bit of casual conversation with individuals who were experiencing the same feelings. So, what did I glean from this? I discovered that making the initial move at the start of the year is absolutely worthwhile. Even if you don’t feel prepared or at ease, don’t stress—there will be numerous ice-breaker events and chances to connect with others. Most crucially, I realized that being authentic is essential. With such a diverse array of individuals throughout the course and university, you’re certain to find others who resonate with your interests and principles.

### Facing the Academic Demands

Another major challenge was acclimating to the workload and the complexity of the material. There was certainly a significant leap from A-levels, and the shift from the first term to the second term proved to be even more demanding. Being thrust into such a setting can occasionally shake your confidence, particularly when you observe others studying and feel as though you’re falling short.

What aided me in overcoming this was acknowledging that everyone is experiencing similar challenges. If you find something perplexing, I can almost assure you that others are having difficulties as well. The most vital lesson I garnered in my first year was the importance of seeking assistance. Whether it’s from your classmates or the faculty, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you require it.

### Assistance from the Staff

On the topic of faculty, the staff in the Materials department is outstanding. They genuinely desire for students to thrive and recognize the hurdles we encounter. Throughout the year, they maintained consistent communication with us, addressing our worries and providing support. I didn’t utilize the pastoral resources available to me until later in the year, but I wish I had taken advantage of them sooner.

At the beginning of the year, I took the initiative to become a year well-being representative. This position enabled me to connect with the staff, which became incredibly beneficial. There are numerous ways to engage with faculty, and doing so can significantly elevate your university experience. My key takeaway from this is to fully embrace the assistance that’s available to you—you can never have too much support!

### Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, this year has shown me that the apprehension I experienced leading up to and during university was largely unfounded. With the abundance of assistance available from both staff and peers, I learned that I was never truly isolated. Most importantly, I learned how to manage the pressure of exams and deadlines while also enjoying my time at university.

*By [Guest Blogger](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/author/bloggers/)*
*Categorised under: Uncategorised*
*Tagged: [Courses](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/courses/), [Featured](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/featured/), [First Year](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/first-year/), [Imperial College London](https://blogs.imperial.ac.uk/student-blogs/tag/imperial-college-london/)*

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